is an introductory course covering the major ocean sciences (biology, chemistry, geology, physics) at a level sufficient for science majors but accessible to non-science majors. It explores phenomena occurring from the shoreline to the abyss and from equatorial to polar regions. It also examines principles of marine ecology as well as how the marine environment affects humans and vice versa. The course is offered in a blended format that combines face-to-face lectures and online interactive activities in the form of virtual oceanographic expeditions.

LC: 1.5 hours per week

OR: 1.5 hours per week (online interactive activities)

2000

Introductory Biological Oceanography

provides a general understanding of the biological processes that occur in coastal and oceanic environments. It introduces students to the major groups of bacteria, phytoplankton, invertebrates and fish, emphasizing the biotic and abiotic factors controlling primary production and marine biomass. It shows how the physical, chemical, and geological environments interact with biology to define processes and patterns affecting nutrients and life in marine ecosystems.

PR: OCSC 1000 and a 1000-level course in one of Biology, Chemistry, Earth Sciences or Physics

2001

Introduction to Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture

introduces students to the breadth of aquaculture and fisheries science and the variety of animal species cultured and harvested. Basic aspects of aquaculture and fisheries and the links between the two are covered, including production systems, capture fisheries, environmental interactions, and the physiology, ecology and reproduction of finfish and shellfish in the context of their culture and harvest.

(same as Chemistry 2610) provides an introduction to the fundamental chemical properties of seawater and the processes governing the concentrations of elements and compounds in the oceans. It is an introduction to the sources, distribution, and transformations of chemical constituents of the ocean, and their relation to biological, chemical, geological, and physical processes. Topics include: controls on average concentration of chemicals in the ocean; vertical and horizontal distributions of ocean constituents; air-sea interactions; production, export, and remineralization of organic matter; the ocean carbon cycle; human-induced changes; stable isotopes; and trace elements.

(same as Physics 2300) provides an introduction to general oceanography with a primary focus on physical oceanography. Topics include how oceans form and evolve on a planetary scale. Ocean characteristics studied include: the properties of seawater; elementary dynamics of fluids on the rotating Earth; ocean circulation; wind-forcing in the ocean; tides and waves. Contemporary methods used in oceanographic study are covered including satellite oceanography. Interactions that occur between physical and chemical processes and biological activity are reviewed.

explores the instruments, techniques and analytical methods commonly used to study marine life and processes, chiefly focusing on the interaction between living organisms and their chemical, physical and geological environment. The course combines ship-based or shore-based sampling and data collection with laboratory investigation in an intensive 2-week long format. It is primarily intended for mid-level undergraduate students majoring in Ocean Sciences. This course will either be offered during a special session following the Winter semester, or in the Spring semester.

AR: attendance is required. Failure to attend may result in a failing grade or withdrawal from the course.

emphasizes the techniques and methods used to culture finfish and shellfish, with a primary focus on Canadian aquaculture species. Basic aspects of aquaculture will be covered, including the design and maintenance of production systems, culture techniques, and the nutrition, health, physiology and reproduction of finfish and shellfish. The laboratory portion of this course will provide students with practical experience in the maintenance of land-based aquaculture production systems and in the husbandry/culture of aquatic organisms.

is an introduction to biotechnology and genetics as they are applied to aquaculture and fisheries. Topics covered include genetic variation; genetic structure of fish and shellfish populations; the genetic basis of aquaculture traits; finfish and shellfish genomic research; marker-assisted selection in aquaculture; manipulation of ploidy; genetic engineering in aquaculture; and techniques used to study the responses of aquatic animals to external stressors such as hypoxia, temperature stress, acidification, and pathogens.

(same as Biology 3620) is a study of the nature, distribution and activities of microorganisms in the freshwater and marine environments. Field and laboratory work illustrate some of the investigative techniques used in this field of study.

(same as Biology 3640) covers physiological adaptations of animals facilitating their survival in natural environments with emphasis on physiological and biochemical responses of animals to extreme environments. Starting with the fundamental basis of physiological mechanisms, the course explores various aspects and the integration of major physiological processes (metabolism, respiration, osmoregulation) and how these relate to ecological niche.

UL: may not be used to fulfill the physiology course requirement for a Biology major, honours or joint honours program

4000

Scientific Diving Methods

is an in-depth study and application of methods routinely employed for data collection in underwater scientific research. Aspects covered include habitat mapping; installation and use of instrumentation; still and video camera techniques; planning and execution of surveys and experiments in major subtidal habitats; as well as data analysis and interpretation. Participants are trained in accordance with Memorial University of Newfoundland’s Guide for Diving Safety and the Canadian Association for Underwater Science (CAUS) standards to meet the criteria for Scientific Diver I rating. This course is normally offered at the Bonne Bay Marine Station in a special 2-week session at the beginning or end of the Spring semester depending on station’s availability.

OR: The following documentation must be provided to the course instructor at least four months before the first day of the course. It must be in effect until at least the last day of the course. Submission of this documentation does not guarantee acceptance into the course. Aside from course prerequisites, acceptance will be based on successful completion, before the course begins, of a diving fitness and skills evaluation in a pool environment and demonstration of understanding of the MUN Diving Safety Manual, physics and physiology of diving, and use of recreational dive tables. Nationally recognized scuba diver certification with diver rescue and accident management techniques; diver medical examination by a licensed physician knowledgeable in diving medicine; First Aid (basic), CPR (basic), and DAN oxygen first aid for scuba diving injuries administration cards; DAN membership and insurance or medical insurance covering hyperbaric treatment; diver’s log book with at least 12 dives in the last 12 months including one dive in the last six months and four dives in cold (<10°C) water; cold-water scuba diving equipment complete with proper hydrostatic/VIP service tags on diving cylinders and overhaul/service receipts on regulators and buoyancy compensator devices.

examines the structure, function and dynamics of pelagic food webs in the marine environment. The course will focus on the material and energy flows within and among trophic levels and the interactions with major biogeochemical cycles and climate.

(same as Biology 4122) provides an in-depth examination of cellular, physiological, behavioural and ecological adaptations in marine animals. Lectures will be combined with discussions of relevant papers from the primary literature on topics of current interest which may relate morphology, ecology, evolution, natural history, species interactions and practical applications. Students will also gain hands-on experience by designing and conducting research projects involving live or preserved animals.